Continuation Bet

A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet made on the flop by the player who was the aggressor in the previous betting round, typically preflop. This fundamental poker concept helps maintain aggression and can win pots without having the best hand.

Key Points

  • Post-flop aggression
  • Board texture dependent
  • Position important
  • Sizing crucial

Optimal Scenarios

  • Board Textures:
    • Dry, unconnected
    • High card heavy
    • Range advantage
    • Draw scarcity
  • Opponent Types:
    • Fit-or-fold players
    • Passive opponents
    • High fold frequency
    • Straightforward play

Strategic Considerations

  • Position Impact:
    • In position better
    • Information advantage
    • Pot control ability
    • Bluff effectiveness
  • Sizing Strategy:
    • Board dependent
    • Stack consideration
    • Opponent tendencies
    • Range protection

Example Scenarios

Dry Board: Holding AK on K-7-2 rainbow. High c-bet frequency spot with range advantage and few draws.

Wet Board: Holding QQ on J♥T♥9♣. Consider smaller size or checking due to numerous draws and strong calling ranges.

Board Texture Analysis

  • Dry Boards:
    • Higher frequency
    • Larger sizing
    • Range advantage
    • Less resistance
  • Wet Boards:
    • Lower frequency
    • Smaller sizing
    • Range disadvantage
    • More resistance

Common Mistakes

  • Auto-piloting
  • Wrong sizing
  • Texture ignorance
  • Range blindness
  • Position mistakes
  • Stack depth errors

Advanced Concepts

  • Range Construction:
    • Balanced frequencies
    • Protection elements
    • Board coverage
    • Removal effects
  • Exploitative Play:
    • Opponent adaptation
    • Frequency adjustment
    • Sizing modification
    • Tendency exploitation

Multi-Way Considerations

  • Adjustments:
    • Tighter range
    • Value heavy
    • Less bluffing
    • Size modification
  • Stack Dynamics:
    • SPR consideration
    • Commitment level
    • Future streets
    • Pot control

Continuation betting is a fundamental concept in poker that requires careful consideration of board texture, position, and opponent tendencies. Success comes from understanding when to c-bet, proper sizing selection, and maintaining balanced frequencies while being ready to make exploitative adjustments. Remember that while c-betting is a powerful tool, it shouldn't be used automatically - each spot requires thoughtful analysis.